The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended seven suspects in connection with illegal dealings in petroleum products. They were arrested during a raid on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The operation, led by the NSCDC’s Rivers State Command, led to the seizure of a barge and three boats laden with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Addressing the media at the crime scene in Woji Jetty on Wednesday, the State Commandant, Joachim Okafor, reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to combat economic sabotage, including crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering.
Okafor said, “We are here at Woji Jetty along the Slaughter area in Port Harcourt. It is very concerning to see such a large barge filled with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
“To date, we have arrested two suspects and have invited the director of the company where the barge is registered for questioning. We are also actively pursuing further arrests of perpetrators and their sponsors.”
The Commandant also revealed that two suspects were caught transferring the illegally refined AGO from the barge into cellophane bags for further transportation to an undisclosed location.
In addition, five people were apprehended by the Corps’ Marine Squad at the Tombia-Iwofe axis along the waterways. The suspects were found with three boats loaded with AGO.
Okafor stressed that the Corps is determined to fight environmental degradation and oil theft, warning that all those involved in the illicit activities would face prosecution. He assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover the masterminds behind the operations.
Speaking further, Okafor said, “Preliminary reports indicate that they were found with three boats loaded with an unspecified quantity of AGO.
“Our ongoing battle against crude oil theft is driven by our commitment to tackling illegal bunkering activities in the coastal regions, thereby increasing oil production in the nation.
“Safeguarding critical assets and infrastructure is our core mandate. As an Operational Commandant, my administration will restore integrity in the state.
“The Corps opposes all acts of environmental degradation and pollution that pose health hazards; we are determined to restore our economy’s glory and will not tolerate continued theft of the nation’s crude oil.”
The arrests come amidst heightened security operations aimed at curbing the ongoing theft of crude oil, which has significantly impacted the nation’s economy and oil production.
The command pledged to continue its fight to restore the nation’s economy by cracking down on illegal oil activities across the region.
NSCDC Arrests 7 Suspects With Illegally Refined AGO In Rivers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
